thesis // urban campus for the girl scouts

The Drexel University Thesis Studio features a year-long exploration of a building. Students work with an adviser to carefully study the site, design, systems, and overall experience of that building and its surroundings.

The adaptive re-use of historic buildings, celebration of city planning decisions, and introduction of new typologies in the urban fabric will have defining impacts on the successful redevelopment of city neighborhoods and living conditions for their diverse populations. Integrating civic buildings to serve targeted audiences is the most effective means to incur healthy and sustainable growth.

The environment for testing the idea of integrating a civic space with a target audience in an underdeveloped neighborhood requires two key ingredients:

(1) a neighborhood that is in need of commercial development with zoned areas for non-residential use;

(2) a group or organization with interest in designated center city space.

The Urban Campus for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) will be sited at the historically significant intersection of Broad, Ridge, and Fairmount in Philadelphia.